My sister, Nel, lost her long, brutal battle with Alzheimer's on Monday, March 28th, 2011. I closed her eyes and whispered in her ear that she wouldn't have to fight anymore ... that she would, at last, find peace.

I am not going to write Nel's story, only the beginning and the end.

I am asking you to help me with the middle.

Please share your Nel stories on this site by adding to the guestbook.

Share your personal stories about the sixth leading cause of death in the United States ... whether it's yours, a family member's or a friend's.

The end of my story is that together, we can honor Nel and everyone who has encountered the tragic consequences of this hideous disease. Together we can find the cause, the cure and take Alzheimer's off our minds forever. Together we can beat the unbeatable.

Your donations, no matter the amount, could add up to this happy ending.

And it will be our story ... together.

Tom

Richmond Times Dispatch Obituary

Neville Elizabeth Laughon, born in Richmond, May 10, 1946 passed away on March 28, 2011. She was preceded in death by her father, Dr. Fred Thomas Laughon, Jr. She is survived by her loving mother and best friend, Helen Martin Laughon of Richmond; her brother, Fred Thomas Laughon III and his wife Melissa Anne Laughon; her two beloved nieces, Tovi Laughon Heffron and husband Christopher Keys Heffron and Lissi Laughon Rabon and husband Austin Tyler Rabon; three great-nephews, Thomas Keys Heffron, Patrick Christopher Heffron and Fisher Martin Heffron and three great-nieces, Livi Neville Heffron, Mackenzie Tyler Rabon and Tyli Belle Rabon.

As a pastor’s daughter, Nel grew up and was active in the communities of Norfolk, VA, Orangeburg, SC and Gainesville, FL and graduated from the University of Florida. She served as Treasurer and President of the Chi Omega sorority, Editor of The Seminole and one of the founders of Savant, a women’s leadership honorary organization.

She was an accomplished silhouette artist, collector and historian of the craft. The H&N Silhouette studio was located behind “Cheswick”, the 18th Century home Nel restored with her parents. From 1968 to the early 2000s, Nel worked with her mother and traveled more than 30,000 miles a year to museums and historical sites to cut the silhouettes of presidents, kings, astronauts, actors, bishops, ambassadors, diplomats and even the legendary racehorse, Secretariat.

She lectured on the history of silhouettes in the United States and England and co-authored a book on silhouetting, August Edouart: A Quaker Album. Nel was an instrumental part of her father’s woodworking business in which they reproduced 18th and 19th century salesman's sample furniture and wooden dolls. Their reproductions were sold in Williamsburg as well as to doll collectors all over the world.

Nel was a member of the Junior League of Richmond and many historical organizations. Her creative, enthusiastic leadership inspired and touched so many.

Nel’s family extends their appreciation for the wonderful care provided at home and at Hospice of Virginia. A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 2 at 2:00 at Bethel Baptist Church, 1100 Huguenot Springs Rd, Midlothian, Virginia.